Inter-Racial & Inter-Religious (IRIR) Harmony Night 2007
24日
07月,
2007年
Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society, in conjunction with 7 other Voluntary Welfare Organisations, organised the Multi-Racial Multi-Religious Harmony Nite for the first time in 2004. In 2005, the name was changed to ‘Inter-Racial Inter-Religious Harmony Nite’.
The 7 VWOs are:
1) the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO),
2) the Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC),
3) Yayasan MENDAKI
4) the Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA),
5) the Eurasian Association (EA),
6) Chee Hoon Kog Moral Promotion Society, and
7) Chee Hia Kog Moral Society.
This annual event serves to extend hands of friendship as well as reinforce solidarity and close bonds between people of all races and religions. Since 2004, each year in July, 10,000 guests are invited over 2 nights to a vegetarian dinner. These guests include grassroot leaders and members of the public, of all races and religions.
Each year, invocations are said by representatives of the 10 religions affiliated to the Inter-Religious Organisation Singapore, praying for harmony for Singapore and the world. In addition, the Declaration on Religious Harmony is read in 4 languages. This is followed by colourful performances from the Self Help Groups and winners of the IRIR Singing/Music and Dance Competition.
A song entitled ‘A Place in our Hearts’ was also specially composed to promote religious and racial harmony. The song was launched by Mr Chan Soo Sen, Minister of State for Education and Community Development and Sports, on the 24th of June 2004.
Last year, President and Mrs Nathan were the Guests of Honour for the first night, while Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports was Guest of Honour for the second night.
This year, President and Mrs Nathan and Dr Vivian Balakrishnan have kindly consented once again to being the Guests of Honour for the IRIR event, to be held on 28th and 29th July.
The 10,000 seats have all been taken up by now. Ambassadors from Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Germany will be present with representatives from other embassies. Local dignitaries include mayor, MPs, IRCC chairmen and grassroots leaders.
